I Was Caught Being Excellent

Person/Community of the Month

Award DescriptionWhite Bison is very appreciative of the many individuals and communities who have continuously shown their dedication to the Wellbriety Movement. As a result, White Bison is beginning an ‘I was Caught Being Excellent’ program, to recognize and award at least one individual and one community each month. These individuals and communities have served the Wellbriety Movement in an exceptional manner and are ‘Unsung Heroes’ for White Bison.
The recipients, and their efforts, will be acknowledged on White Bison’s website, Facebook page and monthly newsletter, and will receive a letter and certificate of appreciation. The Person of the Month recipient will also receive an ‘I Was Caught Being Excellent’ button. In addition, the Person of the Month recipient will receive 25 ‘I Was Caught Being Excellent’ Buttons and 25 Blank Certificates for them to distribute to others in their community that they ‘catch being excellent’ and are also strong supporters of the Wellbriety Movement. The Community of the Month recipient will receive a personalized Wellbriety flag to display.

Who May Nominate, Who May QualifyNominations are accepted on a rolling basis. Submitting a nomination encourages and recognizes that individual’s and/or community’s exemplary efforts, which demonstrates the impact of the Wellbriety Movement. Anyone who is familiar with the individual or community may submit a nomination. Individuals may not self-nominate and are not eligible to win more than one award in a twelve-month period.

What makes an outstanding nomination?In order for your nomination to stand out you must explain what makes your nominee special. It is important to use specific examples to illustrate how your nominee meets, one or more of, the award categories. Your nomination should describe the difference your nominee’s contribution has made and show why it has been significant. When writing your nomination think about:
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How things were before;
What makes your nominee different from others doing similar work;
How the nominees work has persisted over time and enriched the lives of others; and,
What makes the nominees work outstanding – indicate any extraordinary circumstances or challenges the person or community faced.
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Award CriteriaOur recipients demonstrate pride in the Wellbriety Movement, through meaningful initiatives that:
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Are innovative and original;
Are personalized and meaningful to the nominee;
Have shown ongoing initiative, leadership and dedication;
Have earned the respect of their peers and turned them into a role model in their community; and
Strengthen the relationship between the nominee and the Wellbriety Movement
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Award Categories

1. Activism – How does this person or community bring about political or social change?

2. Giving – How does this person or community ‘give back’ to others?

3. Community Change – How does this person or community bring about community change?

4. Teacher – How does this person or community advance opportunities for community members to gain Native knowledge or wisdom?

5. Culture – How does this person or community strengthen and/or revitalize Native culture?

6. Leadership – How does this person or community demonstrate traditional leadership values?

7. Recovery – How does this person or community provide recovery opportunities for individuals?

8. Youth – How does this person or community advance opportunities for the youth?

9. Women Warriors – How does this person or community advance opportunities for Native women?

10. Domestic Violence – How does this person or community combat issues of domestic violence?

11. Family – How does this person or community promote family wellness?

12. Other – Anything else you feel a person deserves recognition for?

Submit Nomination

Award Timeline

Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis.

One week before the 1st of the month: White Bison will begin reviewing all nominations.

1st of the month: White Bison will announce the recipients of the ‘I Was Caught Being Excellent’ Person Award and Community Award and send them their letter, certificate and appreciation gift.